Tobacco Products
Regulations and Guidance
These resources provide information on federal tobacco regulations and guidance about the sale, distribution and marketing of tobacco products.
Regulations
Information on the Tobacco Control Act and issued regulations.
- FDA implements the Tobacco Control Act by issuing regulations, which have the force of law, and explain what regulated industry must do to comply with the law.
- FDA issued a final rule on June 22, 2010, that contains a broad set of federal requirements designed to significantly curb access to and the appeal of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products to children and adolescents in the United States.
- More information is available at the Guidance, Compliance & Regulatory Information page.
Guidance
These guidance documents describe FDA’s current thinking on a regulatory issue. They are not legally binding on the public or FDA.
- Compliance with Regulations Restricting the Sale and Distribution of Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco to Protect Children and Adolescents
- Tobacco Retailer Training Programs
- Civil Money Penalties and No-Tobacco-Sale Orders For Tobacco Retailers
- Ban of Cigarettes that Contain Certain Characterizing Flavors
Fact Sheets, Letters, and FAQs
FDA Center for Tobacco Products created these materials to help you learn more.
- Overview: Tobacco Retailer Warning Letters
- Frequently Asked Questions: Protecting Kids From Tobacco
- Letter to Retailers on Tobacco Products Labeled or Advertised with the Descriptors “Light,” “Low,” “Mild,” or Similar Descriptors
- Flavored Tobacco
- Fact Sheet: Collaboration between SAMHSA's Synar Program and FDA's Tobacco Retail Compliance Inspection Contracts
- Regulations & Guidances: Learn about federal tobacco regulations and guidance focused on the sale, distribution and marketing of tobacco products.
Why are Federal Tobacco Laws Important?
These laws are designed to make tobacco products less accessible and less attractive to youth. Every day almost 3,500 kids between 12 and 17 years of age smoke their first cigarette, and an estimated 850 kids become daily cigarette smokers. Many of these children will become addicted before they are old enough to understand the risks, and they will ultimately die of tobacco-related diseases. As a tobacco retailer, you play an important role in protecting children and adolescents by complying with federal laws.
Retailer Training and Enforcement
Get information on how to comply with federal tobacco regulations, enforcement activities, and compliance checks.